Scripture Study - Awaken

 1/19/24 – Awaken

Awake, awake, put on strength, … (Isa. 51:9) Awake, awake; put on thy strength, … put on thy beautiful garments; … (Isa. 52:1) Awake to righteousness … (1 Cor. 15:34)

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awaken out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day … But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, … (Rom. 13:10-14) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, … now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. … whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore … Awake thou that sleepest, and arise … and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly … as wise, Redeeming the time … Wherefore be ye … understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5:1-2, 8-10, 13-17)

For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, … I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world. And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you. Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them. (Mosiah 4:5-10)

… I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil… , nor the unclean thing. And awake, and arise from the dust, … yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, … and strengthen thy stakes (defenses) and enlarge thy borders forever, that thou mayest no more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made unto thee, … may be fulfilled. Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni 10:30-33)

Insights: I was afraid that this subject would be a little sparse as I only had 10 passages set aside to study, but I was greatly mistaken. I love seeing the repetition between prophets across the centuries. Awake means to shake yourself out of the blindness, the inactivity, that so easily besets us as humans. We naturally want to take the easiest route, the path of least resistance to cause us the least amount of pain and effort. But what kind of progression is there when we don’t push ourselves? No muscle was ever increased by doing nothing, only through the effort of tearing it and letting it heal stronger and then repeating the process, are increases made.

We are to awake or become active, strengthening ourselves through this activity. But we also need to put on our beautiful garments, or make ourselves attractive to entice others to follow suit. No one wants to look at or follow someone who is slothful. We don’t have to be dressed in the latest fashions, but our countenance should be clean and orderly and, probably most importantly, happy. Returning to the muscle metaphor: endorphins, or happy hormones, are released when we are working our bodies in positive ways. These same endorphins can be felt when we are working on keeping the commandments of the Lord and bringing others to His Gospel (our spiritual muscles) – especially as we are sharing His good word. There is no joy alone; only as we bring others to the same love, and light, and happiness of the knowledge of Christ, do we find joy.

We do this by loving others. It’s that simple. Just love. We don’t need to judge or push. We love people where they are and allow them the opportunity to see our example and decide to make any changes needed on their own because they are loved by us. They see our happiness and want it for themselves. We had an experience two years ago in our family where one of our children killed himself. He had gone through more trials than one so young should and he didn’t see any way to stop the pain. Miraculously, we were given a second chance with this precious boy and paramedics were able to bring him back after working on him for what felt like hours. (This is a whole story in and of itself that will need to wait for another time.) He had used drugs and alcohol to dull the pain and eventually as the means to kill himself and we knew he would need to go to a rehab facility to learn how to detox and cultivate better coping strategies. But we couldn’t force him to go. It wouldn’t work or be effective long-term. Just because we knew it was the right thing, would not have been the right thing if he wasn’t wanting to go for himself. So too, we cannot force someone to change their actions or inactions just because we know it’s best. They have to see what we have and desire it themselves before they will be willing to make any changes that will last longer than a New Year’s Resolution. They may not even understand what it is they see in you and desire, but if you are honestly loving them, they will come to you seeking your light.

What a wonderful day it will be when one you love desires to join you in your happiness. May you have the opportunity to love someone to Christ!

Scripture Study - Spiritual Discernment

 

1/18/24 – Spiritual Discernment

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teachest; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:12-14) For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. (Mosiah 3:19) Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing – unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; … (Alma 26:22)

That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light growth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. (D&C 50:24) And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father. (D&C 84:46-47) … he that believeth these things which I (Christ) have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good. And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; … For behold, I am the Father (of this world), I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. Come unto me … and I will show unto you the greater things, … Come unto me … and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world: … yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, … (Ether 4:11-15) For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. (Moroni 7:16) Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive. (D&C 11:13-14)

Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness – in the wilderness, because you cannot see him – my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound. And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. (D&C 88:66-68)

 

Insights: There is wisdom that the world espouses and there is wisdom of the Lord. They don’t always match up. Human’s do the best that they can, but they are imperfect and our knowledge is limited, however God is omniscient and perfect. When we are in doubt, always turn to God for clarification. As we do so humbly, and even persistently, God will give us the truth. If at any time, the knowledge we get indicates something dark or scary or harmful, we can know that this is not of God. God’s knowledge is light and peace and joy.

Scripture Study - Edify

 1/17/24 – Edify

… Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (1 Cor. 8:1) … godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Tim. 1:4) Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breast; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves – It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32:28)

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. (Rom. 15:1-2) And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, … (D&C 43:8) … he that propesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. … Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Cor. 14:3, 12, 26) Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Rom. 14:19) Wherefore comfort (exhort, console, encourage) yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1 Thes. 5:11) Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. (D&C 50:22-23)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (Prov. 19:20) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (self-perfection) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we hence forth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph. 4:11-16) He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. (D&C 52:16)

Insights: As I began this study, it seemed like this would be just a repeat of the “Enlighten” study I did last week, but as I got further in (I’m grateful I didn’t abandon this study) I realized how rich the subject of edification was. Having knowledge is one thing, but it often leads to vanity and turning away from the hand of God. However, when we take that knowledge and use it to bless others, it is the embodiment of edifying. Truth will grow and expand within out hearts, filling our minds with light and joy. If the knowledge you are given doesn’t do this, then I would look at where it came from and if it is something worth keeping. I tell my kids (although none of them are exactly kids anymore) and students all the time that you find what you are looking for, so look for the good, the bright, the lovely, the joyful, and the godly.

I’ve spent too much time wanting to find a “safe” place for myself and family, away from the craziness of the world, but that would feel like being an unprofitable servant. The Lord has commanded us to help those who are weaker than we are and to share the good news of God and Jesus Christ with them so that they can find the strength, peace, hope, and joy that comes with knowing the truth of God’s Gospel. Knowing that this life is only a short probationary period where we get to see just how well we do before returning to God is empowering, and takes away the fear of what comes next. Satan is trying hard to confuse and deter us, but in the end, God will always win out!

I think my favorite scripture today was the one in Ephesians 4:11-16 where we are told that the word of God is taught to us in many ways, probably presented in a way that we will be most likely to accept it. We each learn differently, and God is the perfect teacher! Receiving truth is not the right of only one type of person, but God wants all to have a chance to receive it and incorporate it into their lives so He has already prepared and planned a way for each to have the opportunities we need to accept it. What a loving and gracious Heavenly Father!

Scripture Study - Understanding

 

1/15-16/24 – Understanding

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: … (1 Kings 3:9) And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. (1 Kings 4:29) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; … (Eph. 1:17-18) But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8) And unto man he said, Behold, the fear (reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job 28:28) … he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (Prov. 19:8) Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. … (Mosiah 12:27) … howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Cor. 14:20)

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, … Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. (Deut. 4:5-6) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. (Luke 24:45) For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding. (2 Nephi 31:3) … we also, … do not cease to pray for you and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Col. 1:9) … and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. (2 Tim. 2:7) And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God … (D&C 88:11-12)

By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God – (D&C 76:12) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7) … yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. (Alma 17:2) And they shall give heed to that which is written, … and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding. (D&C 32:4) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of Christ, who is of God, even the Father. (Col. 2:2) And their (those who reverence God) wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; … (D&C 76:9)

Insights: God provides light and then understanding. Light is truth and understanding is knowing what to do with that truth. This is something we need to pray for and work for. Just as you wouldn’t give a slothful person your greatest treasure to take care of, the Lord isn’t going to give you His treasure, or light, unless you show that you want it and are willing to do what it takes to get it and move forward with it. We do this by getting to know Him through prayer and studying His words in scripture. By learning more about Him, we find what it is He desires for and of us. By keeping His commandments, we prove our ability to take His light and understanding and be “profitable servants” for Him. It is with the increasing light and understanding that we are able to find comfort and peace even amidst the onslaught of the challenges of this life. Having the understanding of the Lord’s light anchors us to a sure shore even as the winds and waves toss us about – allowing our minds and hearts a measure of assurance and peace. What a wonderful blessing to seek for!